Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment in sexual minorities in Mexico City

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.13795

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Published: Jan 14, 2026
Issue: Vol. 23 No. 3 (2025): Revista Ciencias de la Salud
Section Clinical or Experimental Research


Keywords: sexual minorities internalized homophobia ART adherence ART side effects

Main Article Content

Authors

  Luis Ortiz-Hernández
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual minorities (men who have sex with men and trans women) are identified as a vulnerable population. They are at higher risk of acquiring HIV and are less included in prevention and surveillance campaigns. Stigma and internalized homophobia cause less adherence to treatment. People who adhere to 95% of the prescribed dose may have a better quality of life.


Objective: To find out if there is a relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, health services, treatment and experiences of homophobia with adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in a sample of sexual minorities from two states of the Mexican Republic.


Material and methods: Cross-sectional study of sexual minorities (n=225) from the states of Campeche and Chihuahua diagnosed with HIV and on ART. Information was obtained through a questionnaire that investigated sociodemographic data, health services, ART, homophobia, and internalized homophobia. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed.


Results: Non-adherence to ART in the last week was 16.4%. In the bivariate analysis, those who had drug shortages 2 or more times (RP=2.81; IC=1.33 - 5.94) and those who presented lipodystrophy (RP=3.54; IC=1.48 - 8.48) had a higher risk of non-adherence to ART. In the multivariate analysis, lipodystrophy was related to non-adherence to ART (PR=3.72; CI=1.55 - 8.93).


Conclusion: ART adherence was affected by the presence of lipodystrophy, but it was not associated with any other variable.

How to Cite
Ortiz-Hernández, L. (2026). Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment in sexual minorities in Mexico City. Revista Ciencias De La Salud, 23(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.12804/revistas.urosario.edu.co/revsalud/a.13795
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